He could do that right now by skimping on component quality. Like switches, connectors and the like. But he doesn't. Apple uses some of the best components in the business.
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'iPhone Ultra' Concept Envisions Apple's Rumored Future Top-Tier Smartphone
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After reading numerous comments here and always boasting that I always welcome a design change.
I never thought that Apple is always recycling their design language with the rounded edges harking back to the earlier iPhone releases like the 3G.
But I still like the design, I guess it gives me nostalgia for the earlier iphones I owned.
I never thought that Apple is always recycling their design language with the rounded edges harking back to the earlier iPhone releases like the 3G.
But I still like the design, I guess it gives me nostalgia for the earlier iphones I owned.
So this designer imagines the iPhone Ultra to be the rugged version of the iPhone? That makes sense, since the "Ultra" moniker is reserved for the rugged version of the Apple Watch. However, I was hoping a new iPhone would have either a foldable or unrollable design. Apple invented the modern smartphone. It's a shame to see other manufacturers showing leadership in introducing new ideas for smartphones while Apple's lineup remains stale.
Folding phone:
Unrollable phone:
Folding phone:
It sort of depends on whether one thinks a foldable or roll-able phone is a worthwhile innovation. I'd rather Apple work on tweaking the existing designs than coming up with gimmicks (IMHO).
Oh, I wouldn't characterize a bigger screen as a "gimmick". Samsung gave Apple a run for their money when their smartphones were the first to use bigger screens. Apple had to catch up to the competition and release bigger phones of their own. Foldable phones can unfold iPad Mini-sized screens, and yet fit in your pocket. Unrollable phones can increase the screen size by 50% or more, without the need to unfold the phone, and without a crease in the middle of the screen.
Both of those sound like features many users, especially the huge Chinese market, would love. According to BusinessInsider, "For many Chinese, the phone is also the first, the most important, or even the only computing device they own. "People just use them for more, and therefore appreciate the bigger screen," said Frank Gillett, an analyst at technology research firm Forrester."
Looks thick. Hopefully iPhone Ultra will have multiple colour options.
I see your points but I wasn't talking about screen size. It's the flexible screens I have doubts about. Making these types of devices durable will be a major challenge. iPhones are pretty durable. With a good case they are not easy to break.
I like it. I would part with my pennies tomorrow. However - it even looks expensive. I hate to think what the 1TB version would cost! 3,4,5k? 
Does the concept of AWU even apply to a phone? I don't think. Maybe somewhat, but not for the same reasons. You don't need your phone when diving 100 meters. You just need a electronic device to record data and provide info, and you have that with AWU.
Much more likely iPhone Ultra would be Apple's way of making a type of iPhone that they might want to make, but know doesn't have mass appeal. Chunkier, larger battery, more durable, and with more hardware features that those characteristics enable. And of course, a lot more money. Only one problem with this: Apple hasn't had enough new with iPhone to actually justify yet another premium level tier. Which means the handful of new interesting changes Apple develops will start with the Ultra and then slowly trickle to Pro and Standard. Not good for the rest of the iPhone market.
Much more likely iPhone Ultra would be Apple's way of making a type of iPhone that they might want to make, but know doesn't have mass appeal. Chunkier, larger battery, more durable, and with more hardware features that those characteristics enable. And of course, a lot more money. Only one problem with this: Apple hasn't had enough new with iPhone to actually justify yet another premium level tier. Which means the handful of new interesting changes Apple develops will start with the Ultra and then slowly trickle to Pro and Standard. Not good for the rest of the iPhone market.
I kinda like it. The ruggedized mute button is awesome and I hope that it survives in this form as every year feels like the year Apple finally ditches it. The non curved screen is the best part, I love this on my AW ultra.
With a folding phone, the screen is protected when folded. What I want to know is how they can make a case for a phone that unrolls and expands?
It's the fold itself that I'm worried about. A material that can flex dozens of times a day for years may not be here yet.
I’m a dude too. Hey dude!Im a dude so I dont walk around with a phone attached to my head all day.. if my battery lasts 1 hour a day, Im good. I have other devices to do important things..
I check news (and this site…) and work emails on my commute to and from work. I listen to music occasionally. On days when I’m moving about, I need the MagSafe battery or the battery will be dead by mid afternoon. I’m glad to have that battery, it’s a life saver. But I wish I didn’t have to.
Do you have a 13 iPhone Mini? If so I can see how there’d be no other way… 🤷
Its a 13 Pro normal size. Went back down to the standard size after having big ones since iphone 6.
My battery is just toast for some reason. Its really degraded. Im hoping it gets to the 80% threshold before the two years is up for my warranty.
I like this concept but... I'd like a slightly thicker model (i.e. more battery life) and get rid of the camera bump at the same time. Contactless volume buttons, etc. does not excite me at all. With the titanium frame, thicker would be lighter.
Until the foldable and rollable phones have much greater benefits without the drawbacks, why would Apple produce such a product? They're generally not about putting out prototypes that aren't ready for mass production. The idea of a small phone you can make bigger is a great one, but the devil is in the execution. We've seen the issues with foldable phones—easily-scratched screens, fragile hinges, and less real estate than the size would suggest. People aren't clamoring for them. While I'm sure Apple could do a better job, especially given they can tailor the software much better to match the hardware, and I'm sure they have rollable and foldable prototypes somewhere... they would have to tell a story about how this was so much better than what came before, and I don't think they can.
Right. Durability has to be a major factor in the design. If only Apple could bring the sapphire crystal to the iPhone.
Several concerns exist for bringing a foldable/rollable iPhone to market:
1. Foldable/rollable smartphones are a niche product category today. Who will buy them?
The especially large Chinese market will, due to their preference for large-screen phones. According to BusinessInsider, "For many Chinese, the phone is also the first, the most important, or even the only computing device they own. "People just use them for more, and therefore appreciate the bigger screen," said Frank Gillett, an analyst at technology research firm Forrester."2. Do foldable/rollable smartphones improve the user experience?
Foldable/rollable smartphones do improve the user experience for those who want the biggest screen they can fit in their pocket.3. What does it take to stay competitive in the smartphone market today?
Apple needs to keep their iPhone lineup as interesting as their competition's. Only selling 6.1-6.7 in candybar smartphones is unimpressive when Samsung sells those and a variety of interesting foldable designs as well. Samsung's lineup is more interesting right now, so Apple needs to compete with that.4. Don't products need to be "market-ready"?
It's true a product should have a certain polish to it before being sold. But smartphone companies introduce new models every year, allowing them to make yearly improvements. Apple will be able to make yearly improvements on their foldable iPhones like they've been doing for their iPhone lineup every year since the very first iPhone.
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The first, and biggest, obstacle is developing a foldable/rollable display that will be essentially defect free for at least two years. I looked at a Samsung foldable in the store and, as it had obviously been cycled lots of times, there were definite marks at the hinge. Maybe some wouldn't mind but I would.
Durability concerns are important. Foldable displays need to be sturdy and well-built. Dave Lee at Dave2D has reviewed foldable smartphones and found that some hinge designs produced better results than others. Apple has engineered solutions to durability problems before, so maybe they can engineer a durable foldable display.
Software concerns need to be ironed out as well. Without proper software optimizations, the changed screen aspect ratio will not automatically improve all app and gaming experiences.
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